CBT for postnatal depression

It may be offered on its own or alongside medication and wider perinatal mental health support, depending on your symptoms, previous episodes, preferences and daily circumstances.

A therapist helps you notice links between situations, thoughts, emotions and actions. For example, the thought that you are failing as a parent may lead to guilt, withdrawal and less opportunity to notice what you are doing well. CBT helps you examine that cycle and practise a more balanced response.

Sessions commonly include choosing a current difficulty, learning a skill and trying a manageable exercise between appointments. Therapy can be adapted around feeding, sleep disruption, childcare, physical recovery and whether you prefer in-person or remote appointments.

Tell an obstetrician, family doctor, midwife or mental health professional about low mood, anxiety, sleep when the baby is settled, bonding difficulties and any frightening thoughts. They can assess whether postnatal depression or another condition may be present and discuss a suitable treatment plan.

Before starting, ask how sessions will fit around caring for your baby and what to do if you miss an appointment. Keep prescribed medicine unchanged unless the clinician managing it advises a gradual adjustment. Practical help with meals, rest, transport or childcare can make it easier to attend and practise CBT skills.

Seek immediate emergency help if you might harm yourself or your baby, cannot keep either of you safe, or have thoughts of suicide. Call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department, and stay with a trusted adult while help is arranged.

Hallucinations, fixed unusual beliefs, marked confusion, or severe agitation after childbirth can signal a mental health emergency and need urgent assessment. Do not wait for a scheduled CBT appointment. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if low mood persists, worsens or makes everyday care difficult, even without emergency symptoms.

Ask what type of CBT is being offered, who will provide it, how progress will be reviewed and whether your baby can attend. You can also ask whether combined treatment could suit your symptoms, how breastfeeding is considered when discussing medicines, and whom to contact if your mental health deteriorates between sessions.